ACL preview: FC Seoul v Western Sydney Wanderers

This is a crucial encounter between two teams that have lost both of their games so far in the group. Another defeat will almost certainly end any hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

This is not exactly a journey to the unknown for Tony Popovic and his men.

The Australians knocked the Koreans out at the semi-final stage in 2014 on their way to the title. They were back in 2015 in the group stage for a dour goalless draw.

Last year Seoul, finalist in 2013, shed its defensive skin and went goal crazy and reached the last four once again.

Since that defeat, at the hands of fellow Koreans and champion Jeonbuk Motors, Seoul has lost prolific striker Adriano to China.

Results so far in Asia have been poor.

There was a 1-0 loss at home to Shanghai SIPG on the opening day. The reds and blacks had plenty of possession against the Chinese but lost to a spectacular strike from Brazilian striker Hulk.

Then there was a 5-2 loss to Urawa Reds a week later that could have been worse as it was 5-1 at half-time. It was however, a dire defensive performance

It is still early days in the league but the team picked up a first win of the season on Saturday, a 1-0 victory at Gangwon FC, who play at the Ski-jumping stadium that will be used at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

Old warhorse Dejan Damjanovic got the goal to show that the Montenegrin marksman still has what it takes.